Daimler Buses & IVU: Software cooperation for faster electrification

To jointly develop and implement innovative solutions for the public transport of the future, Daimler Buses and IVU Traffic Technologies have signed a comprehensive framework agreement. The expertise of both companies already ensures integration of hardware and software into a unified eMobility overall system, supporting transport companies on their way to electromobility.

“To realize the European Green Deal, significantly more innovative, integrated solutions for public transport are needed – and this is exactly what the framework agreement between Daimler Buses and IVU stands for,” says Matthias Rust, CTO of IVU Traffic Technologies.

From now on, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, including the customized software solution IVU.suite, can be ordered from a single source and efficiently deployed on the road. With the IVU.suite, transport companies can monitor the Mercedes-Benz electric buses from the start, park them smoothly, charge them smartly, and send them back into service. The complete system always takes into account all relevant data of the electric buses such as battery age, available total performances, operational charging stations, and energy costs. Based on this data, the IVU.suite creates detailed range forecasts in real-time and calculates optimal charging scenarios – whether in the depot or on the road. This ensures maximum efficiency and availability at minimal costs, according to the press release.

Avoidance of Peak Loads

This avoids expensive peak loads and capacity overruns while ensuring the operational readiness of the entire fleet. The software works flexibly: users can seamlessly integrate it into existing IT systems and specify criteria and strategies for the target charge state and its timing in detail. The eCitaro connects to the charging infrastructure via the ISO-15118 protocol. Through the Omniplus On Portal of Daimler Buses' service brand Omniplus, companies gain insights into their fleet's operational data. 

“Together with IVU, we aim to make the path to electromobility as simple and straightforward as possible for transport companies,” says Mirko Sgodda, Head of Sales, Marketing and Services at Daimler Buses. “The eMobility overall system, tested in operation, is suitable for any type of fleet – whether it be 10 electric buses or large mixed fleets of more than 1,000 vehicles.”

To further ease the transition to electromobility for transport companies, Daimler Buses also provides the necessary infrastructure as a turnkey solution upon request. This includes, in addition to charge management and project planning, the complete construction of power supply infrastructure as well as the associated construction measures – during ongoing operations.